Some accident damage has caused rust to destroy the front bumper.
Front seats have a large hole in them and need to be re upholstered.
Original carburettor wore out and was replaced with a Bendix Stromberg from a Holden.
Exhaust manifold developed a crack and thus was replaced with extractors.
Rust hole in the floor.
This particular vehicle was purchased in 1965 by my great uncle.
Over its 39 years it has been modified slightly.
14" Mag Wheels are in place of the original steel wheels and hubcaps, this resulted in better handling.
The interior has a radio and heater.
Genie Extractors have replaced the exhaust manifold and have liberated a little extra horse power.
Acceleration isn't very good as the car is quite heavy and only has a three speed manual column shift.
Top speed is a claimed 160 km/h + (100mph +) although I have not seen past 120 as the car currently runs retreads.
A lack of air conditioning and other creature comforts have forced me into looking for a second car.
Over the coming years I will be restoring the Valiant to its former glory.
I had an ap5 with a worked ex jet boat 265 with a holly 650 double pumper 4 speed zodiac box it was scary fast I hooked third gear to do a burnout by accident still laid rubber (Kelly super grabbers) to the corner used to tow my race car (another ap5) at a ton up easy and it was economical.
I have an AP6 SW and have only had to replace the carburetor because of old age/lack of spares. I fitted a weber and so far the car is 110% reliable. The ride quality is like newer large cars. The down side is the fuel consumption.
I have an AP6 that was my Grandfathers from new. It has done only 65,000 miles, but the distributor is worn and it runs a bit rough. Once moving along it is comfortable and reasonably economical - if you call 20 miles per gallon economical.
In the early 1980s I had 1 income, 2 kids, 3 mortgages & a 1965 AP5, 3 spd manual column shift (I always wanted one with the pushbutton torqueflite auto) 100000+ miles. Such a great reliable family car that never let us down, fitted everybody, towed everything anywhere, huge boot etc. I remember it being quite quick (also torquey), toured all day easily at 60-70 mph with pretty good fuel consumption for it's day. So easy to maintain - I did recondition (rings, brgs, valve grind) the motor in a weekend once!
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